Veolia Environmental Services and a division manager made their first criminal court appearance in Sarnia Tuesday morning on charges laid in connection with a fatal explosion and fire in October 2014. The company and 44-year-old Anthony Lavoratore, a division manager of the North American corporation, each face one count of criminal negligence causing death and five counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm. The charges relate to a blast at Veolia's Scott Rd. plant that killed 37-year-old Jason Miller and seriously injured five others. The matter was put over to April 26 to allow for the review of what's described as "lengthy disclosure" on both the criminal charges, and charges laid under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. October 25, 2014, a dust collection system outside the building exploded, damaging a section of cinder block wall and causing part of the roof to collapse. It’s alleged the company did not cease the metalizing process at the workplace after being warned of hazards by its engineers and failed to ensure the dust collector was suitable for the process.
First responders gather at Veolia on Scott Rd. in Sarnia following explosion . October 25, 2014 (Blackburnnews.com photo by Sue Storr)
